Good plan Trey --

I'm not trying to put the car down - or you - or make fun of it or anything like that... just being "realistic" == and realistically there's not much that doesn't need a re-do on that car... and that means $$....

Tell you what... a RAT ROD is my next build when I finish the '37! I L O V E them! You can do with ingenuity what you can't do with big $$'s and it can be a total "buddy project". That is - with a bunch of buddies sitting around on Sunday afternoon -- you can come up with "parts" -- ideas -- and many 'hands' helping. It can still be built to be reliable and go anywhere!:cheers:

Greg, we all know what happens when you and your buddy's get together on a Sunday afternoon. You are all gonna wake up Monday morning in the front yard tripping over beer cans scrambling to get to work. :lol: :cheers:

After seeing the detailed pix of the red car...... I think I'd rather have the frame table too :)

That car will not be a basic resto and drive it.....that car needs alot of work to be even decent.....and safe

If you want a quick "fixer upper" and drive and sell.... that car aint it.

He called me today and said he sold his 67 Mustang that I was going to work on, so he said he will just take $1500 and call it even, then another $200 when the title comes in. All the bushings looked good so if the brakes look good it will be safe. For $1700 it's a great car and should be fun.

Another 200 when the title comes in? How well do you know this guy? How about he waits to take ANY of your money until the title comes in? :_paranoid

Or 200 now and the 1500 when you have the title in your hand? If he is serious and honest he will not have any problem doing this. No matter who it is. Even best friends have been separated by car deals gone bad.

Yeah I know, not really sure how that is gonna work. Thinking about maybe giving him $500 or something and the rest when the title comes.

Is there any sort of truly legal bill of sale?

You need the title in hand Trey. It is the only real way to cover your butt and loss of money. Was the car registered to the current owner? Can he provide proof of that?
The BEST thing you can do is not give him ANY money until he provides the title. Or if he refuses to hold the car for you then I would only offer at a MAXIMUM 100-150 bucks to have him hold it. If he really wants to sell it to you then he will work with you. You have NOTHING without the actual title. And trying to get it through the state after the sale is a real pain in the a**. I would also be worried if the car was never titled in his name. How did he get it? Why doe he not have a title? If he was the legal owner on the last issued title then it only takes a few weeks to get a replacement. If he was never on the title then it can take forever, if they do re issue it at all to you. Ask him for a registration to prove he owned it. He should have an old one somewhere. It is always best to go the safe route in these things than just hand over some cash and hope for the best. There are other cars out there, don't get attached to it. It is only a car.

He told me that the previous owner lost the title and is looking for it but the guys isn't very responsible and doesn't handle his buisiness. He said he asks him regularly for the title and asked him to apply for a lost title and he always forgets to look for it or something so he went ahead and applied for a bonded title so either way he will end up with one.

I am still looking around for other cars though.

It does not sound like a good deal to get involved in unless he can show you a real title with his name on it. And make sure the VIN and other info matches too. I would hate to see you get taken advantage of just for trusting someone. Remember, this guy really only wants your money. Something is not right and if it were me I would walk away. When he has the title then great. What is a "bonded title"? How is that different than a standard title?

Walk away....or at the least, dont give the guy a dime until the title thing is all worked out. They always have some BS story before they rip you off...

It's just if you don't have a title, the state will issue one for you. It takes time because they have to research the car and make sure it's not stolen etc...

He just emailed me and said he has another buyer, I told him it was fine if he wanted to sell it to the other person. I kinda had a bad feeling about the car anyways not to mention all the stuff y'all said so this might be a good thing.

Been looking around for other cars, trying to find a 71 Cutlass or something cool like a old school jacked up Silverado or F250..

Better safe than sorry right? Was he trying to make you hurry up and give him money by telling you he had another buyer? That is a sure sign of something fishy going on. Like I said, he just wants the money and anyone that will hand it over can deal with the hassles. I am glad it's not you buddy!
:cheers:

Actually no, he said he got a good offer and wanted to give me a chance before he sold it, plus I didn't really have all my money straight so it's understandable.

Either way I think you are coming out on top of that deal. There will be others.:cheers:

Trey --

RUN from this car -- and don't look back. Cars are like busses -- there's another one coming by every 15 minutes. Unless you have lots of "re$ources" don't get tied up in a "no title" sale. That can take time and get complicated. It's not for the faint of heart unless you're working with a DEALER that is reputable.

Personally - I'm happy that you DID not get this car -- WAY too much work and too little to work with.

Just my .0000003 worth.

Yeah, plus I really wanted a 69 anyways, I am not a big fan of anything about the 70 Mustang. I am glad I missed out on it because I found a pretty sweet 71 Firebird with a 455 that runs, drives and has a title, I only have about $1500 so hopefully I can make it work.

Now you're talking! Big block Poncho, second gen design, killer! Good luck with it. I hope it works out Trey! Have any pictures of it?:cheers:

I will get some up later, supposedly it's a SD455 poncho with a cam and was rebuilt before it sat.. So that means it has forged internals :thumbsup:...

See there Trey! My bus rule has already played itself out... hopefully in your favor.

What you guys think about this? $1600, has a "broken" motor but comes with a 307. Some rust in drivers floor and trunk.

It looks like an easy project aside from the motor, even looks like the A/C is there..

I was gonna shoot him an offer of $1000 or $1200 or something like that.

http://images.craigslist.org/3o03p83...6ff3281498.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3ke3m23...0083f314f8.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3m53oa3...93167815b8.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3nb3pf3...ea611b146d.jpg

Okay -- Some more "rules" from your uncle Greg...

It costs the same amount of money (sometimes MORE) and the same amount of time - to fix up a car... paint - motors - tires - wheels - interior etc.... Some cars are WORTH fixing because you can fix them and have a decent chance at getting your investment out (provided you stick to your plan etc)... and some cars you will NEVER get half what you put in them... THIS would be the latter.

If you cruise the "for sale" section here - many times you'll find "cast off" parts from a project - that would be great for someone such as yourself - (I'm assuming here that you're just starting off). The cast offs I refer to would be along the 67 - 69 Camaro lines - early Mustangs - Novas - etc... Many of the these parts would be interchangeable... or adaptable to a "custom" build. But I've never seen any parts offered for what you're looking at - nor are many of these parts interchangeable etc...

So I guess my point is --- that lets say we "all" took you under our wings - you know - a Lat G "kid".... and you posted on the Want to buy forum a list of parts you needed... and they were for a 66 Nova sbc with a 10 bolt rear... My guess is you'd find TONS of responses to your request... but not a single response if the request was for a 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (pick any odd year and make).... Do you see what I'm saying?

So I'm not raggin on your "choice" -- if you have tons of dough -- tons of time -- and could care less what you end up with cause it's just a car you've ALWAYS wanted... and you finally found it! But if you're limited in budget - and time - and want to have something worth your effort when you're all said and done... Then I'd keep shopping for something that would be a whole lot easier to find parts for - and is real salable when you decide it's time.

That's kinda why I wanted everybody's opinion and yeah, I have noticed the same thing, but this car "looks" really nice. I checked Ebay and there are several cars with a good amount of bids on so they seem like they have interest. I think if I can get it for $1,200 I might go for it. Idk, kinda reminds me of my GTO, I bought it just because it was cheap and regretted it every day.

I DID find this though, I am going to go check it out tomorrow. I miss mine so much. He says the motor is locked up but I have another 301T from my old car still sitting out in the back yard. Plus it's got the good old second gen chassis everyone here loves. I talked him down to $2,000

Whatcha think Uncle Greg? I am gonna call you that from now on. :thumbsup:

http://images.craigslist.org/3n13m83...248ce511ef.jpg

and i quote "gregweld" - that lets say we "all" took you under our wings - you know - a Lat G "kid"....

um (hand raised) .... how do i get that gig ??? beer and donuts ?? (aint i aint talking that lite beer sh#% either ) cover the stripper tab at sema next year ? um .... lets see what else i got ?? hmmmm ..... :cheers: :willy:

You don't qualify - you have to have at least 338 posts...

MO BETTA --- if you could get it cheap enough... you already know how to do one of these... and what they'll bring when you're done with it right? So it would make a good "turn" if you can get it right and do it right without busting your goal.

Trey --

You did/do understand what I was trying to say right?? About doing a car that is easier to find / get parts for - and the value when finished?

UG
:rofl:

Exactly :thumbsup: My only concern is that I won't be able to find a 400 or 455 Poncho motor.

I hope it works out, then I can go pick up 32 year old women again :woot:


Greg when I turn 21 I am going to buy you a beer!

ok ( thats number post number 24 ) :rofl:

( and the above laugh was so me NOT laughing at him i actually admire this site for the way info flows and the advice is so freely given .... im laughing cause i know whats in front of me and the more i read and more i study my project i figure each post is going to cost me cash )

and i quote - My only concern is that I won't be able to find a 400 or 455 Poncho motor.


trey - i can respect what your trying to do and i know it can be tough ...it was tough for me as well getting my feet wet learning ( i speak of the fact i was lost as i am now when i was restoring a car back to its stock form when i was in my late teens )

i quoted the 400 or 455 poncho motor cause that is right in line with the project i am working on ...... making a long story even longer ..... i am in te market for a 69 firebird but i will not need its engine or its trans ..... if i do find a car that suits my needs body and interior wise and it does come with the above mentioned powerplant .... maybe we can work something out .....

not to much has been said about my project and i have asked for it to be kept that way - but there are thoes here whom do know what i am working on - that being said ..... all i can promise is i will keep you in mind but im not on a time table with the car its self

Sounds like fun, check out my old thread with my car. A 69 convertible would be sweet.

I did find a few motors so hopefully that wont be an issue. Where are you located? That would be great if we could work something out.

i am located in Michigan - you mentioned a convert ..... funny you should mention that .... some of my previous post involved me going down the path of loosing a convert at auction and the more i thought of the cars purpose and talking with the builder of the convert that slipped away we both agreed that with what i want to do with the car .... a convert firebird would not be the best choice so i have moved on to the coupe version

as i mentioned - i am gathering parts and having conversations with builders and at this moment - if i find a car tommorow then great ...if not ...i have some time

I looked at the Trans Am today, it was ok.. I think it needs a little too much work but I am still interested in it. If it was a Special Edition I would have bought it right then but I am still unsure on it, just a little over priced for what it is. Plus lately Trans Am's haven't been very desirable.

I found a 70 Challenger for $2,000, which are just awesome cars. He said the motor is a 360 and was rebuilt but someone stole the hood and carb so water got all in it. Ain't nothing a 440 can't fix! :D I checked Ebay and this car is worth alot more than $2,000 as it sits. Missing wind shield and rear glass.. Has doors and door glass. Doesn't have a grill. No rust on the body except for one spot on the right quarter but the floors have a good bit of rust. I figure if I can knab it for $1,500 it would be a great buy, but I need your approval Uncle Greg :thumbsup: Plus how many 17 year old kids can say they owned a 70 Challenger? Let alone all the other stuff I have had..

http://images.craigslist.org/3m23pf3...bb1881165c.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3pd3o33...18523212c5.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3ke3p23...c6f67b1759.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3k83pa3...99eb6c1a5f.jpg

Well - the pics aren't very good... but this is the kind of car I was talking about -- lots of parts, used or new, great resale - so you're not wasting your time and getting nothing for it...

Mopars are NOTORIOUS (this will cause a fight for sure) RUST BUCKETS.... the unibody just wasn't a strong suit of these cars - but most of this era (and price range) are going to need lots of sheet metal anyway... so it's kind of a mute point...

I hate to recommend with such LOUSY pictures -- but the price seems doable and the motor is a decent find as well - and can be rebuilt --- so I'd choose this one OVER the Pontiac or Oldsmobile -- and YOU'D get big thumbs up tooling with this one over either of the others....

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

(the bus rule comes into play here -- see.... keep looking and another one will come by!)

Trey --

Only other "caveat" about Mopars... and I still think you should jump on this one...

THEY COST MORE TO BUILD.... and every single part you go to buy - will be 1 1/2 to 2 times more than a comparable part for a Chevy... I didn't realize this until I built a 440 and trans for a buddies 64 Polara Drop top... I was absolutely in shock when I priced his stuff out... and forget about "trim" for the car -- it was made from unobtainium! I think I paid $300 for a pair of headlight trim rings... if they were Camaro parts - I'd have had 100's of suppliers to choose from and they'd have been $69 bucks NEW... LOL This body style has much more available for it than that 64 of course... but you still may be surprised at what Mopar parts cost.

I found a 1970 440 HP Block (stamp pad has a Maltese cross on it along with other info) with the forged crank and 6 pack rods -- and a completely rebuilt Torqueflight for $750 at the local community college. That was a steal... I then copied the 440 build straight from Edelbrock... used their recommended cam (but from Comp) and their aluminum heads... Thing dyno'd a little over 500hp (crank)... at a low rpm... brutal torque.

I have to agree with "uncle" Greg on this. Parts will cost more, there will be rust issues but overall a much better choice than the other so far Trey. If you can get it at a good price (which 2k is still a good price) I would jump on it. But again with the title and papers, be sure it is all clear and in order first. Then be ready for sticker shock when you start adding up parts prices.
If you go slow and look for used deals or sales and really work on ways to save money on parts you can do this and have a killer car and have a ton of fun at the same time.:thumbsup:

I started looking up parts and the stuff I need isn't too bad such as the tail lights, which I am assuming it doesn't have. Windshields aren't expensive either. I know where a 71 challenger is that I can use for trim pieces plus a hood and there is another 70' next to where I bought my 80' T/A from..

Hopefully it wont be much to get on the road..


Here is the 71, it's at a junkyard.. The hood should fit on a 70 right?
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4058/picture193z.jpg

Well..... what are you waiting for...... (think of Caddy Shack - Judge Smells urging the kid to putt) :rofl:

I can't help you on parts swaps -- no idea what works on these model years - but you know there's people on here - that if you make the buy - will know exactly what works!

Good luck!

Remember -- don't act too eager -- sometimes you just have to walk away - let the seller stew about the lost "cash" he could have had... one or two days and he'll be calling you. UNLESS this car is posted for sale on a public site or something - then you better get to gettin'!!

Yeah it's up in the internet..

Hopefully I can go check it out tomorrow, he said he would call me back..

He called me back and I found the car has no interior.. What do y'all think now? I am hoping I can use that to my advantage and low ball him. It sucks because I was hoping it would be kinda all there. I probably wont get it unless the body is really clean.

If you plan on doing a restoration then the interior would be an issue. If you were going to modify it and use different seats, console or whatever then no big deal. Your call, but you are right in that you can use that to offer less.